The system of state protection of critical infrastructure of Ukraine: genesis, current state and prospects for optimization in terms of further national security

The article analyzes the system of state protection of critical infrastructure in Ukraine, the history of its formation and prospectsfor development in terms of the need to strengthen national security. It was also emphasized that in the conditions of a potential militarythreat, the primary aspiration of any potential enemy-interventionist was the destruction of the most vulnerable objects that ensured thelife of the country or its individual regions.Ukraine has been in a “hybrid” war for more than six years. The experience of modern developed countries shows that the protectionof critical infrastructure is becoming one of the main directions of their state policy in the field of national security. Criticalinfrastructure is an integral part of the national infrastructure of any country and plays an extremely important role in the functioningand development of the state, its economy and social life.Based on the studied experience of modern developed countries, it is proved that the protection of critical infrastructure becomesone of the main directions of their state policy in the field of national security. And this is natural, because critical infrastructure is anintegral part of the national infrastructure of any country and plays an extremely important role in the foundation of the functioning anddevelopment of the state, its economy and social life.In recent years, the problem of the potential threat of a «ascade effect» in several major sectors of critical infrastructure (financial,energy, transport and other areas) has become extremely acute, which may lead to complete or partial cessation of life and economyand security in general. scientists and practitioners to develop a comprehensive system of measures to prevent and minimize suchthreats, as well as threats of natural, man-made and other nature, the formation of appropriate procedures and mechanisms to verify thereliability of these sectors of critical infrastructure.The article proves that the basis for classifying national infrastructure as critical infrastructure should be an appropriate procedurefor their recognition, which should be carried out comprehensively with the participation of authorized law enforcement agencies andrepresentatives of government, local government, critical infrastructure sectors, provide a clear their powers and responsibilities, formsof interaction during the preparation and conduct of this procedure.